TÜV shock for campers: these defects lurk from the sixth year onwards

When the van weakens: the TÜV Report 2025 shows the critical zones of ageing camping base vehicles

The reliability of the basic vehicle is the foundation of every journey. However, the latest TÜV Report 2025, reported on by GMX and other media, reveals a clear weakness in the growing camping van segment: The defect rate rises significantly with increasing age. The situation becomes particularly critical from the sixth year of operation onwards. These findings are highly relevant for owners of panel vans and semi-integrated motorhomes, as the technical basis is often identical to commercially used vans.

The critical six-year limit

While young vehicles generally only have minor complaints, the statistics show a clear bend in the reliability curve. According to the evaluations of the testing organisations, the typical weak points accumulate as soon as the vans pass the six-year mark and often reach the 100,000 kilometre mark. This affects many of the popular basic vehicles - from the VW T6 and Fiat Ducato to the Mercedes Sprinter - which today dominate the booming camping market as used vehicles.

The report emphasises that the high stress caused by the camping structure and the often longer off-season periods accelerate the ageing process. Campers who want to keep their vehicle for longer than six years need to be prepared for more intensive maintenance to ensure safety and avoid high repair costs.

Technical hotspots: Where the inspector takes a close look

The inspection organisations' lists of defects are often similar when it comes to aged commercial vehicles. As the dpa emphasises in its reports on the results, it is primarily the areas that are under high load or exposed to the weather that are affected. These classically include the lighting systems - especially headlights and tail lights - as well as the brake systems. In vans, which are often moved with maximum payloads, signs of wear on brake discs and pads become apparent earlier than in cars.

Another often underestimated problem with vans is corrosion. Due to high payloads and seasonal use, campers should pay particular attention to rust formation on axles, frames and load-bearing body parts, as this is where the greatest safety risks lurk. Although the tightness of the add-on parts and the body itself are not directly subject to the main technical inspection of the base vehicle, moisture damage can indirectly lead to problems with the electrics and chassis components.

Preventive maintenance: how to minimise the risk

For motorhome drivers, the current report is a clear call to action for prevention. Instead of just waiting for the obligatory main inspection, it is advisable to inspect critical components in good time. One focus should be on the condition of the shock absorbers and springs, as the high body weight of motorhomes puts more strain on these components than ordinary vans.

Experts also advise checking the brake fluid and the movement of the brake pistons on a regular basis, as longer downtimes in winter can impair their function. The TÜV report confirms this: Investing in maintenance at an early stage and knowing the specific weak points of ageing vans avoids expensive repairs and unnecessary stress when travelling.